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Crown Relocations (“Crown”) will keep your information private. We will use the information you provide to deliver and follow up on the service you have requested, and to measure and improve how we serve you. Your information will only be disclosed to Crown, its affiliates, and companies working on behalf of Crown. By submitting this form you are agreeing to this. For more information see our Privacy Policy.

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Accommodation in Vienna can be hard to find and expensive in comparison to other European cities. We suggest that you contact Crown Vienna in order to support you with your house search. Houses are hard to find in the city center of Vienna so you will need to search in the outer districts or suburbs of Vienna.

In the heart of Vienna, most housing options are apartments, which often have a nice roof terrace or balcony. Typically Viennese, differentiate between the traditional old buildings (Altbau) with high ceilings and double wing doors (and typically gas heating) and new buildings (Neubau) with regular ceiling height and the comfort of a recently built or renovated building (and typically district heating). Please be advised that you will rarely deal with the actual owner of the property you are considering. Typically, a real estate agency will be overseeing its rental/purchase.↑ Top

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Vienna has 23 districts, with the city center being 1st district (Innere Stadt). Around it is the famous Ring Road which connects 1st district with district 2 to 9.

If you are looking for a broad cultural offering - a variety of restaurants, exclusive shops, clubs and bars in a close proximity to city center - district 3 (Landstrasse), 4 (Wieden), 6 (Mariahilf), 7 (Neubau), 8 (Josefstadt) and 9 (Alsergrund) are good choices.

Much sought-after residential areas are 13th district (Hietzing, as well as the 18th (Währing) and 19th district (Döbling) . All of them are surrounded by the Vienna Wood (Wiener Wald). 13th district is close to Schönbrunn Castle and offers many recreation and sport facilities in one of Vienna’s most traditional ‘upper class’ districts. 18th and 19th districts are located in the heart of Vienna’s vineyards, with fabulous wine taverns and a hiking and biking paradise for those who love to do outdoor sport activities. You may find the rent higher here than in other districts, but the outstanding locations outweigh the price.

Looking outside the city limits, Mödling and Baden are preferred alternatives for families as commuting to Vienna is both convenient and quick by public transport.↑ Top

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Most expatriates choose to rent. Apartments are mostly let unfurnished but fitted with complete kitchens. Alternatively, one can also rent fully furnished apartments or fully equipped business apartments for temporary or permanent use.↑ Top

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Two to three months' deposit is usually required, depending on the landlord or real estate company you are dealing with. No Austrian law sets the maximum deposit that can be requested, therefore, it is highly recommended to negotiate with the landlord. A special bank account will be opened to hold the deposit; this account is then blocked for the duration of the contract. The deposit payment, as well as the first month’s rent, usually needs to be paid before the handover of the flat. Depending on the landlord or agency, you might be refused the keys until the deposit has been paid and confirmed to be on the landlord's bank account.

Additionally 1% of 36 monthly rents have to be paid to the landlord as financial fee when signing the rental contract. The landlord forwards the payment to the financial authorities. Generally, the real estate agency will claim a brokerage’s commission of 2 or 3 monthly rents.↑ Top

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities ("incidental costs") are the actual expenditure for heating, water, electricity used in the building, maintenance of communal parts of the building, the caretaker and any other incidental costs.
These are paid on a monthly basis, together with the rent and then settled annually when the landlord submits a bill for the actual costs incurred. The difference between what you have paid in advance and the actual costs will be refunded or you will be billed if the total costs are higher than expected.

Electricity used in your own apartment is billed directly by the electricity company. In addition, telephone, Internet, TV and radio fees need to be paid and considered when working out your housing budget.↑ Top

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There aren't really any specific security concerns in Austria. It is, however, always a good idea to get input from friends and colleagues who are familiar with the city.↑ Top

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

The indicated size of the apartment does not usually include the kitchen or bathroom /WC and a corridor. It does however, include the bedrooms and living/ dining room. So, a 3-room flat (3 Zimmer Wohnung) is a 2 bed-flat.

The house rules are part of the tenancy agreement. In the interest of maintaining peace with your neighbours you should observe them.↑ Top

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.

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Crown Relocations (“Crown”) will keep your information private. We will use the information you provide to deliver and follow up on the service you have requested, and to measure and improve how we serve you. Your information will only be disclosed to Crown, its affiliates, and companies working on behalf of Crown. By submitting this form you are agreeing to this. For more information see our Privacy Policy.